AN ACT CONCERNING INCREASED PENALTIES FOR FAILING TO STOP FOR SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS.

SUMMARY:

This bill increases the minimum and decreases the maximum fine for a motor vehicle operator's first-time failure to stop for a school crossing guard, by fixing the fine at $450. Under current law, the fine is $100 to $500. By law, unchanged by the bill, the penalty for a subsequent violation is a fine of $500 to $1,000, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both.

Under the bill, if a school crossing guard observes a motorist violating the law and files a written report with police, the police officer may issue a written warning or summons to the vehicle owner. The report must specify the vehicle color, type, and license plate number, and the date, approximate time, and location of the violation.

By law, when a school crossing guard on a highway or private road directs a motor vehicle operator to stop, the operator must stop at least 10 feet from the guard and wait for the guard to direct him or her to continue.

*House Amendment “A” allows, rather than requires, police to issue a warning or summons when notified of a violation by a school crossing guard, and makes technical changes.